GMS tour 2013 promotes organic farming
GMS tour 2013 promotes organic farming
Thailand: Media representatives from Laos and Thailand are attending a press tour in the countries' regions to promote value chains of organic crops from farm to market on the East-West Economic Corridor (EWEC).
The 2013 Greater Mekong Sub-region (GMS) press tour is organised by the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and sees media from major newspapers and television networks visit regional Laos and Thailand to explore the theme ‘From farm to market: promoting value chains'.
The tour runs from December 5 to 11 and provides opportunities for journalists to interview farmers of organic produce, entrepreneurs and government officials involving agriculture promotion in both countries.
It is intended the participating media will promote the implementation of organic vegetable farming in Laos and Thailand through print media articles, video features and documentaries.
The group will visit Khon Khaen and Kalasin provinces, Thailand and Savannakhet and Vientiane provinces, Laos – areas where ADB is working.
Organic crops and vegetables are reaping a high market demand and price in Asia and Europe but locally there is a lack of farmers growing the crops for sale.
To grow organic crops and vegetables takes longer than using chemical methods and requires a high-level of pest control and developed water systems.
The governments of Laos and Thailand are cooperating with international organisations to encourage farmers to grow organic crops for value chains by providing education in production and marketing supply.
Several farmers in Laos and Thailand have already benefited from this technique earning stable incomes and improving their living standards however many farmers are still unaware of the market potential.
Thai and Lao officials expect the GMS is a potential resource to produce organic crops through the EWEC for regional market demand and export to Europe as well as benefiting Asean Economic Community integration.
To reach this goal the project will require stronger support from regional and international organisations, government promotion and cooperation between the private sector and community growers.
The tour is led by ADB's External Relations Officer in Manila, Ms Olivia Sylvia O. Inciong and ADB's Regional Cooperation Economist, Mr Rattanatay Luanglatbandith, with ADB's multimedia officers and coordinators also attending.
vientiane times
